Issue with job advice

[EZEUWA]

One way not to get a job:

" Get your master's degree or PhD first (preferably in an unrelated field) and then apply for an entry-level actuarial job."


But what if you took an interest in the field only after the completion of one of these.

I don't see why getting a masters should hurt your chances. Is this really so? Should I be worried as I am in this position? Advice appreciated.

[LifeAct]

I had a masters degree in math and 1 exam when I landed an entry level job that required a bachelors degree. The Masters degree didn't add to my resume in their opinion but it certainly wasn't a negative.

[EZEUWA]

Originally Posted by LifeAct

I had a masters degree in math and 1 exam when I landed an entry level job that required a bachelors degree. The Masters degree didn't add to my resume in their opinion but it certainly wasn't a negative.

Thanks for the quick reply. Was kinda getting worried that I bought a ticket to the wrong train. Besides if Masters/PHD could be a potential problem, perhaps I could simply exclude that information from my resume.

[tommie frazier]

MS won't hurt. may not help, although to me it would help.

typical career track is exam driven. and experience. getting more education is not getting mroe exams or experience usually, so you are falling behind.

I would not worry. if you went to grad school thinking it would be great for this career, then you were a little misinformed. not tragically so, just a little.

[tommie frazier]

DO NOT EXCLUDE IT FROM THE RESUME. that would be foolish.

[snr]

I am in the same position, a PhD in physics before realising that's not what I want and I'm about to write my second exam. When I start applying for jobs later this year, I'm hoping to highlight the extra research/analytical, written and oral communication, and time management skills that I have over most recent university grads. While the PhD might not be a plus by itself, I think it comes with benefits that an employer would find attractive.

[LifeAct]

Originally Posted by tommie frazier

DO NOT EXCLUDE IT FROM THE RESUME. that would be foolish.

I agree with this. It will likely be a tie-breaker between two otherwise equal candidates.

[Kenny]

Choosing to get a Master's degrre or PhD in an unrelated field when you already know you want to become an actuary seems pretty foolish to me and would make me question your real interest in the field.

The second part is easily covered by just saying you didn't hear about the field until later or you changed your mind while pursuing the degree but felt it was important to finish what you started.

[GosuJohn]

There is only one reason to go to grad school if you already know you want to become actuary, if you are a foreign citizen with citizenship issues.

[azn_to]

It depends on how competitive the job market is. If you're in Canada, a master degree in Actuarial Science or Financial Mathematics will certainly help you get an entry level job.